For many consumers, the vibrant, artificial-looking colors of snack foods are a major concern. As a result, many brands have introduced 'cleaner' versions of their popular products. The Simply line by Frito-Lay was created to address this demand, offering familiar flavors made with more straightforward ingredients. This article provides a clear answer to whether Simply Doritos contain artificial dyes and explores what this means for consumers.
The Simple Answer: No Artificial Dyes
The most direct answer is no, Simply Doritos do not have dye. The official Frito-Lay product pages for the Simply line clearly state that the snacks are made with 'no artificial colors or flavors'. This is a key distinguishing feature from the traditional Doritos lineup, which famously contains artificial food dyes such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40 to achieve its iconic, bright orange hue. The Simply brand was launched by PepsiCo in the early 2000s specifically to appeal to a growing consumer preference for more natural products.
What Gives Simply Doritos Their Color?
Instead of synthetic colorants, Simply Doritos derive their milder, more natural tint from the organic ingredients used in their seasoning. The specific components vary slightly depending on the flavor, but common natural sources include:
- Organic Tomato Powder: Used to provide a reddish base and depth of flavor.
- Organic Spices: Herbs and spices add both flavor and color.
- Organic Paprika: A common spice that can contribute a reddish-orange color naturally.
- Organic Cheddar Cheese & Buttermilk: The cheese and dairy components add a creamy, white-yellow appearance and taste to varieties like the White Cheddar flavor.
- Natural Flavors: While the term "natural flavors" is broad and can be a point of discussion for some consumers, they are derived from natural sources rather than created synthetically.
A Comparison: Simply vs. Regular Doritos
To better understand the difference, a comparison of the ingredients is helpful. The table below highlights the key distinctions, using the Simply Organic White Cheddar and regular Nacho Cheese flavors as examples.
| Feature | Simply Organic White Cheddar | Regular Nacho Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Colors | No artificial colors (uses organic spices) | Contains Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 40 |
| Natural Coloring | Organic tomato powder, organic spices, organic paprika | None listed as primary coloring agents |
| Flavor Sources | Natural flavors, organic cheddar cheese, organic buttermilk | Natural and artificial flavor, various powders, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) |
| Organic Status | Certified USDA Organic | Not organic |
| Preservatives | No artificial preservatives | Contains preservatives and antioxidants |
Diving Deeper into Simply Doritos Ingredients
Beyond the absence of artificial dyes, the Simply lineup focuses on using certified organic and more recognizable ingredients. For instance, Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos include:
- Organic Corn: The base of the chip is made from whole organic corn.
- Organic Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil: Uses a more naturally extracted oil for cooking.
- Organic Seasoning Blend: This is where the natural coloring and flavors come from, including ingredients like organic tomato powder, organic onion powder, and various organic spices.
While this approach results in a cleaner label, organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have pointed out that highly processed foods, even organic ones, can still contain ingredients like non-specific "natural flavors". This means that while artificial dyes are absent, the food is still significantly processed.
Beyond the Dye: The Nutritional Context
For many, the appeal of Simply Doritos is the perception that they are a healthier alternative. While a dye-free option is a positive step for consumers avoiding certain additives, it's important to look at the full nutritional profile. As reported by Men's Health, the organic version of Doritos can have a comparable or even slightly higher calorie count per serving than the regular version, and similar levels of fat and sodium. Therefore, Simply Doritos are not necessarily a 'healthy' food in the traditional sense, but rather a version with a cleaner ingredient list.
Conclusion
In summary, if your main concern is avoiding artificial food dyes, Simply Doritos are a successful alternative to the traditional version. They use a blend of natural, organic ingredients and spices to achieve their flavor and color, completely omitting synthetic additives like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. However, consumers should be mindful that a 'cleaner' ingredient list does not automatically translate to a healthier snack from a nutritional standpoint. By examining the full package, from ingredients to nutrition facts, you can make the most informed choice for your dietary needs. Find official Simply Doritos information here
